UNION COUNTY, IOWA — An Iowa man’s boat overturned on this lake while he was fishing as severe weather moved through, and he tragically perished in the waters due to drowning.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed the recovery of a body from Three Mile Lake in Union County. The individual, identified as Ryan Woosley, age 41, of Creston, was found at 3:30 p.m. on June 18.
The DNR was notified at 3 a.m. that morning about a missing person who was last known to be at Three Mile Lake to night fish on June 16 and had not been heard from since. DNR officials discovered a car in the north boat ramp parking lot and an overturned boat in the lake. Initial searches of the lake by DNR law enforcement did not locate the victim. Local law enforcement joined the effort, utilizing a thermal drone to continue the search until daylight hours.
The Southwest Iowa Dive Team was then called to assist with the recovery efforts. Utilizing sonar technology, the dive team successfully located the body, which was recovered shortly thereafter.
Severe weather that moved through the area on June 16 may have contributed to the incident.
The Iowa DNR was joined in the search and recovery by the Union County Sheriff’s Department, Southwest Iowa Dive Team, Afton and Creston Police Departments.
According to an obituary, Ryan Woosley worked many construction and concrete jobs. He loved to ride his motorcycle and spend time with his family. He especially adored his grandson, Wesley. He always kept busy, working on cars and making sure his girl’s cars were maintained. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing and was also an ordained minister.